Rita Enemuru, Reporting
BENIN CITY — The Edo State Security Network (ESSN) has arrested two suspects found in possession of large quantities of illicit drugs at separate locations across Benin City, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Efosa Uyi and Stella Thompson, were detained on Friday 29th May 2026. According to ESSN officials, both were allegedly supplying cannabis and other narcotics to users, contributing to rising drug addiction in the community.
Officers recovered a significant haul including Indian hemp, crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”), Colorado (“Colos”), Canadian Loud, and Scottish Loud.
Speaking to journalists about the operation, the Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Festus Ebea, issued a stark warning to drug dealers and addicts: Edo State is not a safe haven for their activities.
“We have arrested two suspects at different points in Benin and will primarily hand them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further prosecution,” Mr Ebea said. “We are working hard to assist the drug agency to get rid of those engaged in drug activities in the state.”
He added: “We are not relenting in combing the state and getting drug addicts, and those trading in illicit drugs, off the state. These two suspects were arrested on Friday 29th May 2026 with a large quantity of illicit drugs. We are using this medium to warn those selling and dealing in illicit drugs to stop, as the state will not be safe for them.”
The commissioner also appealed directly to young people, urging them to steer clear of narcotics entirely.
“We equally call on the youths to stay off drugs as it has no positive impact on their lives but rather end up being useless to society,” he said. “To save our youth from these illicit drugs, we have to arrest those selling and distributing these drugs in society. Hence, these ones have been arrested and brought before the media.”
Mr Ebea stressed that the prosecution would be followed strictly to ensure justice is served, and called on journalists to track the case as it develops.
“We will do our best and call on the media to follow up and ensure justice is served,” he said. “Our youths should stay off drugs as it has no benefits to any users. It will make you end up useless and degraded in society. Encourage the youths to stay off drugs, and be safe.”
Both suspects are expected to be transferred to the NDLEA in the coming days.
